He always had the time for any traditional function

Maas Jaam Cassiere

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi ra'jioon! One more of the beacons of Malay hadath-sadath, fehel-sehel, traditional social and religious customs and practices has crossed the Great Divide, creating a gaping void which can hardly be filled. His all too sudden death gives credence to the truism that in the midst of life there is death.

Marhoum Saudara Cassiere was so full of life and mingled freely with the crowd gathered at the Padang recently to bid farewell to the former Indonesian Charge d' Affaires that it comes as a shock to all who enjoyed his company on that day that he is no more with them today.At a time when our small community is striving hard to preserve its identity and language, his demise is all the more irreparable for he was a much sought after figure at Malay functions for recital of duas in our local Bahasa Melayu, particularly the Dua Kawin at marriage ceremonies.

We will be sorely missing his rendering of these duas in his all too familiar husky voice. Marhoum Saudara Cassiere had a wholesome love and respect for Malay customs and religious traditions which have sadly lost favour with the Malays of today. On Sunday and Thursday evenings (Ari Sinnen and Ari Jumaath malang), he used to continue the old practice in Malay homes of gathering the members of the family together, particularly the young ones, for recital of Yaseen and Haddad Ratheeb besides other recitals from the Quran.

To 'survive' with this practice in the face of divergent views held by the numerous brands of Islamic 'fundamentalism'/ fanaticism that have sprouted up recently, is a tribute to his religious fervour. He was also known to be an active participant at all hill-country mowlood and ratheeb recitals and even at such recitals at the Padang.

A prominent office-bearer of SLAMAC and President, Hill-Country Malay Association, Marhoom Saudara Cassiere worked with dedication for the welfare and well-being of the community. Though a resident of Kandy, distance was no hindrance to him when a matter of interest to Malays arose. And, it was in such circumstances that he was called to his eternal rest.

May Allah Subhana wata ala forgive his sins, illuminate his grave and admit him to the eternal bliss of Jennat Ul Firdous! Ameen!

By M.H. Sourjah